The search for the next James Bond just received an endorsement from someone who knows exactly what it takes to wear the tuxedo.
Pierce Brosnan, who portrayed 007 in four films between 1995 and 2002, has praised British actor Callum Turner as speculation intensifies over who will succeed Daniel Craig in the iconic franchise.
Speaking with Vanity Fair, Brosnan singled out Turner, his co-star in the 2017 drama The Only Living Boy in New York, calling him "so strong."
While Brosnan stopped short of declaring Turner his official choice, his comments arrive as the 36-year-old actor emerges as a leading contender for the role.
Is Callum Turner the Next James Bond?
Turner, known for Masters of the Air, Fantastic Beasts and The Boys in the Boat, has reportedly moved ahead in the race to become the next 007.
British bookmakers have shortened his odds considerably, placing him ahead of fellow contenders Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor.
However, betting odds are not casting announcements.
Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed who will play Bond, and the production has remained tight-lipped about the selection process.
Turner's growing popularity comes as the franchise prepares for its first film since Craig's departure following 2021's No Time to Die.
Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor Remain in Contention
Turner isn't the only actor attracting attention.
Slow Horses star Jack Lowden has also been identified as a leading candidate, while Challengers actor Josh O'Connor recently addressed the possibility of becoming Bond.
Speaking to the BBC, O'Connor described being considered for the role as an extraordinary experience but offered no confirmation about his involvement.
The competition reflects the challenge facing Amazon MGM Studios: finding an actor capable of carrying one of cinema's most recognizable characters into a new era.
Denis Villeneuve Takes James Bond in a New Direction
The next Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, whose credits include Dune, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049.
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is writing the screenplay, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing.
Brosnan has expressed enthusiasm for Villeneuve's involvement, praising the filmmaker's distinctive visual storytelling.
The creative team signals an ambitious direction for a franchise navigating its first major transition under Amazon MGM's creative control.
The Bigger Question: What Kind of Bond Does Hollywood Want?
For decades, James Bond has evolved alongside changing expectations of masculinity, international politics and blockbuster filmmaking.
Craig introduced a more emotionally vulnerable and physically grounded version of the character. His successor will inherit both that legacy and the pressure to establish something different.
Whether Turner, Lowden or another actor ultimately wins the role, the decision will shape the franchise for years.
For now, Callum Turner has the attention of the industry—and the admiration of a former 007. But the next James Bond remains officially uncast.
